We were lucky to catch up with Kaitlyn Hoy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kaitlyn, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Tampa Bay Clay is truly a small-batch earring design company. Everything I make is in small quantities, for two main reasons: I don’t want a ton of in-stock inventory, being that I am a one-maker (aka me!) team, and I want to make designs that are as unique as the people who choose to wear them.
This means my customers get designs that reflect their individuality while reducing the chance of encountering someone else with the same earrings. By offering limited quantities, I shift the focus from simply acquiring an accessory to finding a piece that truly speaks to the wearer’s unique style. It elevates the earrings from mere adornment to a way to express oneself.
For me, it isn’t just about making the sale – it is about creating one-of-a-kind designs that bring people joy.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Tampa Bay Clay is a pandemic hobby turned small business. Like many, I was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic and while I had no idea when, or if, the hospitality industry would bounce back – I needed an outlet to let my creative mind run free. My professional background is in event planning and design – and being stuck at home, with no events to plan – drove me crazy.
The forced “time off” was truly the unexpected launchpad for becoming a small business owner but I never in a million years saw myself designing earrings – let alone – designing and SELLING earrings. Ironically, in all those years planning and executing events, the one thing I used to always complain about was how HEAVY and uncomfortable most earrings were.
Earrings are my love – the bigger, the better – but without the weight. That is what Tampa Bay Clay has been able to do for me, and for the people who have supported my hobby turned side hustle and it makes me so happy.
I work with polymer clay and resin, two materials that are easy to wear, lightweight, and durable. Whether a small pair of studs, some statement dangles, or a classic pair of hoops, the one thing I know my designs bring to the table is the ease of wearing something fashionable AND comfortable.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My reputation is built on the foundation of who I am as a person and a community member. I prioritize supporting and celebrating other makers and small business owners, and I strive to be genuine and transparent with everyone who follows my journey. There is room at the table for all of us. Community over competition, always.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Don’t try to do it all! When I first started my small business, I thought I needed to have ALL the socials to reach every audience – but that was A LOT OF WORK. These days, four years into my business & one hacked (insert sobbing emoji!) Instagram later, I JUST use Instagram for my social media and I am totally happy with where I am when it comes to where my business falls in the world of social media.
My biggest piece of advice is to not compare your follower count or post likes to other creators, but, do FOLLOW and support other creators, even ones who do the same thing you are doing. Why? Because no matter how many polymer clay earring makers there are — there is only one ME, just like there is only one YOU!
Fun story – I followed a local gal who was always going to professional sporting events — I sent her a DM and asked if I could gift her a pair of earrings to wear to a game and if she would share a photo of herself wearing the earrings on her IG. She said yes — and from that ONE shared photo of her wearing my design and tagging my small business — I made over $1k that month in sales and gained dozens of new followers.
Put yourself out there – talk to people, follow creators, ask questions, and BELIEVE in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tampabayclay.com
- Instagram: tampabayclay_
